subject: Most Genie Garage Door Openers Are Home Link Compatible [print this page] If your current garage door opener is giving you some problems, you may want to see about fixing it before deciding to replace it. See Action Door Service the Most Common Garage Door Opener Problems for help. But if you've decided to shop for a new garage door opener, take a look at Before You Buy a Garage Door Opener to gain a better understanding of the different types available. Genie offers a full range of drive systems.
Genie Direct Drive Screw Garage Door Openers
Screw-drive openers are the most common type offered by Genie for do-it-yourselfers. That's because they offer a nice compromise between price and performance (especially as relates to noise). Lowe's, Home Depot and Sears all carry 1/2 horsepower screw-drive openers, ranging in price from about $175 to $235.
Genie Belt and Chain Drive Garage Door Openers
Genie manufactures both belt-drive and chain-drive garage door openers. Chain-drive openers are durable and low cost, but they can be noisy. They may not be the best choice for garages located under bedrooms. Belt-drive openers operate the same way as chain-drive models, but with a rubber belt that makes very little noise. A belt-drive garage door opener may be your best choice if quiet operation is a priority. Both belt- and chain-drive openers may be a little harder to find than screw drive models.
Genie's Wireless Keypad
Wireless keypads are a great convenience. The keypad is mounted near the garage door. Once programmed, it allows anyone with the code to get into the garage and house without a key. This is great for kids, trusted friends and relatives, and for those of us with a propensity to lock ourselves out of the house.
Genie garage door opener keypads come in two basic formats. Intellicode keypads (see below) are the top of the line (and highly recommended), while keypads without Intellicode are available at lower cost.
Retailers often carry identical Genie garage door openers, with one product including a wireless keypad and one without. The cost difference usually runs about $20-$30. You can also buy a wireless keypad by itself. I think the convenience of a wireless keypad is worth far more than the cost.
The Genie Intellicode System
Genie's rolling code technology is called Intellicode. The remote controls on older garage door openers worked on a single code, which made it relatively easy for a knowledgeable stranger to capture the code and open the door. Intellicode changes the access code every time the remote control button is pressed (choosing from a whopping 4.3 billion possible codes). If you have an old garage door opener that opens with a single code, you should think seriously about replacing it with a Genie or other product offering rolling codes. (For a list of reasons for buying a new garage door opener, see 5 Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door Opener.)
